Campsite Details

Location Ardeche
Capacity 500 Units
Starts April 11, 2025
Ends September 22, 2025

Campsite Overview

Yelloh Village Camping La Ranc Davaine was our last trip of the summer, and we had high expectations. So you can imagine our disappointment when the weather forecast predicted rain all week. However, after a few showers, the sun finally broke through, and we were able to experience everything the campsite and the stunning Ardèche region had to offer.

Ranc Davaine is a solid choice for families With one of the most impressive water parks we’ve experienced
Village
Accomodation
Facilities
Activities
Swimming Pool
3.6 Overall
Rating

Campsite Pros & Cons

Pros of ranc davaine

Lots of things to enjoy with this one…

  • Amazing pool complex – indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and a relaxing separate pool
  • Direct river access for swimming and picnicking
  • Beautiful scenery in the surrounding area
  • Restaurant menu looked promising with a variety of dishes
  • Bar open from breakfast with full and half-board options available

Cons of ranc davaine

Every family prefers certain things about a campsite, so our “cons” could be on your “pros” list!

  • Limited snack menu – no salads or fresh food options
  • Onsite shop closes at lunchtime, which can be inconvenient

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Pool complex

Pool complex at ranc davaine campsite

The pool complex at Ranc Davaine is truly amazing.

outside pool area at ranc davaine

This year, the campsite opened a brand-new water park featuring incredible slides, including space bowls, racer slides, and flumes – all of which add a great thrill factor!

slide exit point at pool of ranc davaine

The indoor pool area has a wave ball, lazy river, and river rapids.

ranc davain's beautiful indoor swimming dome

alongside that there are deep, shallow, and toddler swimming areas and a splash area.

splash area at ranc davaine

Outdoors, you’ll find additional pools and kids’ slides.

outdoor pools at ranc davaine

At the far end of the pool complex, there’s a covered lane pool, a toddler pool, and an uncovered swimming area, ensuring plenty of swimming space.

outside swimming complex of ranc davaine campsite

And that’s not all—further down the campsite, near the main entrance, there’s a “relaxation pool” in a quieter, dome-covered setting. Next to it, there’s also a poolside bar for those who prefer to unwind in peace.

secret dome pool at ranc davaine

Swimwear rule

Tight-fitting swimwear is mandatory, in line with French pool regulations.

partially covered swimming pool at ranc davaine

River

The campsite has direct access to the Chassezac River, where you can relax, picnic, and explore the stony pools. However, the river was flowing quite fast during our stay, so I wouldn’t recommend swimming unless you’re a strong swimmer.

The river at ranc davaine campsite

This area consists of pebbles, not sand, so bring something comfortable to sit on and wear in the water.

The river at ranc davaine

Campsite Facilities

At first glance, given the size of the campsite, you’d expect lots of facilities—but surprisingly, we found the opposite and were left wanting a little more.

outdoor pool at ranc davaine

Receptions and Check in

The main reception is located in the heart of the campsite, alongside the shop, bar, and play areas. If you’re booked with a tour operator like Eurocamp or Roan, you won’t need to use the main reception much. However, as we arrived early and the Eurocamp rep was busy, we were directed to the main reception to get our wristbands, allowing us to use the facilities while we waited for check-in.

The main reception at ranc davaine

Eurocamp Reception

The Eurocamp reception had plenty of information about the local area displayed on the walls.

Our check-in process was smooth—we called the number on the door, and a staff member arrived on a golf buggy to take our details, hand us a key, and give us a map of the site.

Eurocamp reception at ranc davaine

I expected at least a leaflet explaining key campsite information, but we didn’t receive anything. The map was low-quality (looked like a quadruple-photocopied printout) and hard to read. Thankfully, I discovered that the campsite had an app, which included all the necessary details. 

Play Areas

child on a park at ranc davaine

There were a few play areas for children and teenagers at Ranc Davaine

Play main area

park at ranc davaine campsite

The main play park had a mix of climbing structures and some unusual play equipment I didn’t recognize. It seemed better suited for older children and lacked traditional elements like swings and slides.

(This park may have been replaced since our stay.)

Play park opposite snack

The play park near the snack at Ranc Davaine was a bit more traditional. 

This had the solo seesaw things, a climbing frame, little slides and was perfect for young children.

Our three-year-old loved it, but our one-year-old was more interested in eating dirt (as babies do). Thankfully, there was an even better park for toddlers nearby.

Park by the “secret” pool

little toddler slide at ranc davaine

Located near the quiet pool area was a perfect park for toddlers. It had a little slide and some small climbing things and was located right next to a chilled out Summer bar so mums and dads could relax too.

play area at ranc davaine

Table tennis

Several table tennis tables were available near the main play area. Bring your own bats and balls, or borrow from reception if needed.

table tennis tables

Body weight gym

Ranc Davain has a body weight gym area which is located next to the main car parking area. 

Body weight gym

Football field

There isn’t a dedicated football field, but there is a small astroturf football pitch inside a fenced multi-sports area near the river.

park area at ranc davaine

Multi sports area

volleyball at ranc davaine

There is a multi sports area with badminton, volleyball, netball, basketball all available in one place.

basketball

Tennis courts

The tennis courts are free to access in April, May, June and September. In July and August reservation is obligatory at reception and it costs €7 per hour. You can also hire your rackets and balls from reception.

tennis

Kids Clubs & Facilities

The site has their own kids club which starts at age 5. They had activities like treasure hunts, workshops, games and sports tournaments.  

kids club information at ranc davaine

Animation for kids and adults

The campsite had a wide range of entertainment for kids and adults. The mini disco at 8 PM was a highlight—the entertainer was fantastic, full of energy, and engaged the kids well. Afterwards, they often had a concert, karaoke or some sort of show on the stage. The stage is located near the bar.

family dancing at mini disco of the bar at ranc davaine

There were also other activities going on throughout the day like aquagym, volleyball, quizzes and more.

Bars, Restaurants and Takeaway

drinks at the bar of ranc davaine

There were a few options for food and drinks.

L’events Bar

Ranc davaine bar area

The main bar was a modern looking building with a lovely outdoor terrace. We really enjoyed sitting out here in the evenings near the pool, soaking up the atmosphere.

outside terrace of ranc davaine bar

Inside the bar was very contemporary and the staff were all lovely and friendly. Outside, the comfy cushions could have been washed, but I imagine that’s why most places have plastic chairs and not cushions these days.

outside of bar area at ranc davaine

On Tuesday nights the bar had a Mojito Mardi from 6pm where you could order a mojito for 7 euros instead of 8.50.

Outside bar terrace at ranc davaine

Drink Prices:

  • Pint of Corona: €7.40
  • Pint of Jupiler: €5.80
  • Small glass of rosé: €2.50
  • Bottle of rosé: €33
  • Coca-Cola pint: €5.80 (cheaper to drink alcohol?!)
indoor seating at ranc davaine bar

The bar also doubles as a breakfast buffet in the mornings (€12 per adult, €9 per child).

buffet breakfast at ranc davaine

It was ok, probably not the best value for money. If you are not getting breakfast you can still get a coffee from here at 1e30 for a black coffee and 4e for a cappuccino. 

coffee at ranc davaine bar

Pool Bar

The campsites pool bar was a lovely little shack bar located near the “secret” pool. This area was never busy and I think most guests didn’t even know it existed. It was calm, serene and we drank our beer out of funky plastic cups. 

secret pool bar area at ranc davaine

Soft drinks here were cheaper but alcoholic drinks were the same price. There was also a cocktail menu serving alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks between 6euors and 7euros.

Ice cream shack

The ice cream and crepe area was located next to the events bar. It was attached but operated separately meaning you couldn’t buy drinks from the ice cream shack and no ice creams from the bar. This was frustrating because quite often one would get drinks and the other would get ice cream and be stuck in a 20 minute long queue and come back to warm drinks. 

ice cream area at ranc davaine

Unfortunately there was only ever one or two people serving and the hot crepes and waffles took longer than the people wanting to grab a quick ice cream out of the freezer. One day the queue was so bad we went to the shop, bought a packet of ice creams and came back up to eat them. By the time we’d finished, we looked at the queue and our place in the queue still wouldn’t have been served. However, they did have a nice selection of scoop ice creams.

Restaurant

outside of the campsite restaurant at ranc davaine

We didn’t eat at the restaurant during our holiday. It looked ok and seemed reasonably busy every night but the menu didn’t overly draw us in. The restaurant was open 12-14 for lunch and 19-22 for dinner. The lunch menu was a lot shorter than the evening menu and consisted of basics like pizzas and burgers whereas the dinner menu was much more extensive with salads, fish, pasta and meat meals. The mains were generally quite reasonably priced but I did think the child’s menu at 12 euros was expensive.

Takeaway/Snack Bar

snack bar area at ranc davaine campsite

We used the takeaway at Ranc Davaine to buy pizza one night and they were really fast, efficient and reasonably priced. As well as pizza they also sold nuggets, burgers, kebabs and chips.

Campsite Shop

campsite shop at ranc davaine

The campsite shop was located underneath the main bar. It was a Proxi and the staff were always lovely and friendly. You could access the shop via lift at the back of the bar or by going down the steps opposite the main reception. The shop sold fresh bread, pastries and donuts daily and also souvenirs as well as groceries.

lift at ranc davaine campsite

Spa (& Beauty salon)

There was a spa situated near the main pool. The services offered include: massage, reflexology, hair removal, facials, children and teen massages and manicures. The spa was open 10-12 and 14-18 but was closed on a Sunday. You can contact them via spa@rancdavaine.fr

spa area at ranc davaine

Bike Hire

I didn’t notice any bike hire available on the campsite.

Pets

Pets are allowed on the campsite but make sure you check what accommodations they are allowed in and any fees associated with bringing pets with you.

Our Vlog on Youtube at Ranc Davaine Campsite

Available Accommodation

Accommodation at ranc davaine

There are lots of different options here from camping emplacements to lodges.

Campsite (other mobiles)

mobile homes at ranc davaine campsite

Yelloh village offers a wide range of mobile homes and a selection of lodge tents to customers. The oak lodges look really nice, however I’d be tempted by the large 100m2 camping emplacements if we returned.

Eurocamp

our eurocamp mobile home at ranc davaine

Eurocamp offers classics, comforts, premiums and Ultimate holiday homes. If you are unsure what to pick, you can read my eurocamp accommodation guide here. We stayed in a 2 bedroom classic and it was old, small and I probably wouldn’t choose it again. However, you get what you pay for and as it was the school holidays and we spent less than £400 I really couldn’t complain.

Should I Book Direct Through The Campsite Or Through And Operator?

roan a tour operator on ranc davaine campsite

Booking directly through the campsite often gives you more flexibility in choosing accommodations and access to special deals. However, operators like Eurocamp or Canvas Holidays may provide packages that include ferry crossings or discounts. Comparing options is essential as tour operators sometimes offer better value for families, especially during peak season.

Do You Need A Car To Get Round?

parking at pont d'arc

Yes, a car is highly recommended. The campsite is in a rural location, and public transport options are limited. A car allows you to explore the stunning Ardèche region, including the famous Pont d’Arc and nearby villages.

How To Get To The Campsite

The main option is to drive. Our route took us over some incredible mountains and gorgeous scenery, but other holiday makers we spoke to said they didn’t travel over any mountains to get there. If your passengers have travel sickness, definitely try to stick to the straightest routes as our daughter felt so ill from the windy cliffside roads.

The route you take will depend on which ferry crossing you take. Or, which airport you come from. 

If you are flying and hiring a car Lyon, Nimes, Marseille and Montpellier are all potential flight options – but you’ll still have a long journey on the road to the campsite.

Should I Hire A Car?

Pont du gard

If you’re flying into the region, hiring a car is essential for convenience and to explore the surrounding area. The Ardèche is known for its natural beauty, and many attractions are only accessible by car.

Ferry Port

For travelers from the UK, the nearest ferry ports are:

Calais: Approximately 900 km away.

Caen: About 750 km away.

An overnight stop may be necessary depending on your travel schedule.

Driving Directions

Address: Domaine de Ranc Davaine, 07120 Saint-Alban-Auriolles, France

Directions:

From the A7 motorway, take exit 18 for Montélimar-Sud.

Follow signs for Aubenas and Ruoms, then continue to Saint-Alban-Auriolles.

GPS:

44.415683, 4.276950

Day Trips 

pont d'arc scenery

Pont d’Arc:

family at pont d'arc

A natural stone arch over the Ardèche River, perfect for kayaking and photography.

Gorges de l’Ardèche:

A stunning canyon with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Grotte La Cocaliere:

grottes la cocaliere

underground cave with tourist train, child friendly.

La Ferme aux Crocodiles:

A unique wildlife park featuring reptiles and tropical plants.

Avignon:

Avignon

Known for the iconic Pont d’Avignon and the magnificent Palais des Papes, this historic city is a must-visit for its rich history and culture.

Dinosaur Parc:

Located near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, this family-friendly park offers life-sized dinosaur models, educational exhibits, and plenty of activities for kids.

dinosaur on ranc davaine campsite

Pont du Gard:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Roman aqueduct is a masterpiece of engineering and an incredible place to visit for history enthusiasts and families alike. Enjoy scenic walks, a museum, and swimming in the nearby river.

pont du gard

FAQ’s

pool area at ranc davaine campsite

Are The Mobiles Close Together?

No, we didn’t find it overly cramped at all. Some of the pitches had lovely large gardens on them.

Is The Campsite Flat?

The campsite is relatively flat but the road leading to the river isn’t. 

puddles on ranc davaine campsite

Are There Mosquitos?

Yes, mosquitos can be an issue in summer due to the nearby river. Bring insect repellent.

Is It Easy To Get A Sunbed Around The Pool?

We always managed to find a sun lounger in the high season. As the pool area is so large there is a lot of space around pools.

sun loungers around the pool at ranc davaine campsite

Do You Need To Wear A Wristband?

Yes, wristbands are required for access to facilities like the pool and activities.

Do Men Have To Wear Swim Trunks?

Yes, tight-fitting swimwear (e.g., Speedos) is mandatory, as per French pool regulations.

What’s The Weather Like In Spring/Summer?

Early Spring (April): 12-18°C, Late Spring (May): 15-22°C, Early Summer (June): 20-28°C, Peak Summer (July-August): 25-35°C, The campsite’s location in Southern Ardèche ensures warm, pleasant weather perfect for camping. There may be moderate rainfall in Spring and intense sunshine in Summer.

view from the pont du gard

Can You Park On Your Pitch/Emplacement?

Yes, most emplacements allow parking directly on the pitch.

Can You Take Pets On The Campsite?

Yes, pets are welcome but may be restricted in some accommodations. Always confirm when booking.

Is There Disabled Accessibility On The Campsite?

There is in the Bar, Sanitation blocks, Shop, Reception, Restaurant and other facilities however the pool areas and the walk to the river may be more challenging due to terrain.

Where’s The Nearest Supermarket?

The campsite has a small shop, but for larger shopping trips, head to Ruoms, about 5 km away, which has a Carrefour and other stores.

Is It Loud In The Evenings?

Entertainment areas can be lively, but quieter pitches are available away from the main facilities.

What Can We Do If It Rains?

Visit nearby caves like the Grotte La Cocaliere, explore local museums, or enjoy indoor campsite activities like the pool, restaurant and bar.

Review Conclusion

Our Holiday at Ranc Davaine

Ranc Davaine is a solid choice for families looking for a holiday with an incredible pool complex and access to the beautiful Ardèche countryside. The variety of pools, slides, and relaxation areas makes it one of the most impressive water parks we've experienced at a campsite. The river access is another great perk, offering a natural escape for those who enjoy a more rugged, scenic environment. However, while the facilities were good, the campsite lacked a certain warmth and family-friendly atmosphere that we've found at other Yelloh Village sites. The animation was lively, but the limited snack bar menu, long queues at peak times, and the somewhat impersonal feel of certain areas meant it didn’t quite reach the top of our list. The play areas were okay, but a little underwhelming compared to the size and standard of the pool facilities. That said, if you're looking for a campsite with a fantastic pool, river access, and a convenient location for exploring the Ardèche, then Ranc Davaine is worth considering.
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Ranc Davaine Campsite review rating stars
Ranc Davaine Campsite review rating stars
7
Avatar of Breanne Lovatt

Reviewed by Breanne Lovatt

Reviewed by Breanne Lovatt

I’ve been a camping fanatic since a young age. Growing up in the New Forest meant regular camping trips with friends and family to a range of different campsites. In my early twenties I worked on a host of family focused campsites in Spain, Italy and France. Now that we're starting our own family, camping has become an even bigger focus in my life.

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